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 Snippets from the Past
Snippets from the Past
From
the Leigh Journal 2nd February 1917
Killed
by a sniper. Pte. Frank Bradshaw, Manchester Regiment, whose death was briefly
announced in the Journal last week, was according to a letter which his wife
has received at 12 College Street, Bedford, shot by a sniper whilst consolidating a position
assailed and taken at dawn on Jan.11th. 'He was a good soldier and a
good comrade' says his superior officer. Pte. Bradshaw, who was 37 years of
age, and the headquarters' bomber, formerly worked in the corn mill department
of the Leigh Co-operative Society, and had been in the army over two years. He
had gone through every advance, and returned to the front on 7th
December, after being over on leave. The brave soldier was at one time a playing
member of the Pennington Church Cricket Club, and was the possessor of two
medals.
From
the Leigh Journal 14th February 1922
Lieut.
T. Kemp. Memorial window dedicated at Pennington. There was a large
congregation at Christ Church, Pennington on Sunday afternoon, when a stained
glass window was dedicated by theVenerable Noel Lake Aspinall, M.C., Archdeacon
of Manchester to the memory of the late Lieut. Tom Kemp of Gorse Bank, St.
Helens Road, Leigh. The inscription at the foot of the window is as follows:-
To
the glory of God and in loving memory of Thos. Kemp, second lieutenant
Manchester Regiment, who was killed in France, July 1st, 1916, aged
27 years. Erected by his affectionate parents.
The
service which was of a simple impressive character, was attended by the members
of the Marquess of Lorne Lodge of Freemasons, of which the deceased officer was
a member, and after the window had been unveiled by Mrs. Kemp, Worshipful
Master R. France placed on it a large wreath of acacia. The Rev. L.S. Murdoch,
M.A., vicar, conducted the service which was opened with the singing of the
National Anthem. A special lesson was read by Major Hunter, V.D., and the hymns
'Lead Kindly Light' and 'O God our help in ages past' were sung. The choir
rendered the anthem 'Blest are the departed'. The quartet being taken by Mrs.
Unsworth, Miss Woollley and Messrs. W. Williams and A. Blackwell.
(Additional
reort from the Leigh Chronicle)
At
the conclusion of the service each of the Freemasons filed past the window and
laid beside the wreath a button hole of acacia, the Masonic flower.
The
late Lieut. Kemp was the first officer, resident in the Borough of Leigh to be
killed during the British offensive on the Somme in 1916, meeting his death
near Fricourt whilst leading his men.
From
the Leigh Chronicle 13th February 1903
The
New Christ Church School and Parish Room. Opening ceremony.
On
Tuesday afternoon in the presence of a large and influential gathering, the new
infant schools and parish rooms connected with Christ Church, Leigh, in
Wilkinson Street were formally opened by Mr. W.C. Jones, J.P., Deputy
Lieutenant of the County of Lancaster. The clergy and officialswalked in
procession from the side door to the front entrance, where Mr. W.C.Jones opened
the door with a handsome gold key, presented to him by the architect (Mr. J.H.
Stephen) and the builder (Mr. J.W. Cowburn). The key, which was richly chased,
bore the following inscription :- Presented to William Charles Jones, M.A.,
D.L., J.P., on the occasion of the opening of the new infant school and parish
rooms, Pennington, February 10th, 1903.
After
the opening ceremony a short service was held. Subsequently a meeting was held
in the Upper Hall. Mr. G. Shaw presided and was supported by Mr. W.C. Jones and
the Mayor and Mayoress (Councillor and Mrs. Horrocks) in their chains of
office.
From
the Parish Magazine February 1908
Men's
Class. Here were 215 men present when the Mayoy (Mr. Councillor Hunter)
addressed the class on Sunday afternoon, January 19th in the Parish
Room, Wilkinson Street. Having expressed his admiration for their work, and the
inspiration he had received from being present, he gave some most helpful words
by way of encouraging the members to intere4st themselves more in the social
and religious welfare of their comrades.
From
the Parish Magazine February 1984
Miss
Hilda Rigby. Cub Scouts.
After
serving for 12 years as assistant Cub Scout Leader, Miss hilda Rigby retired
from this [position at the end of December. Over the years Hilda has worked
closely with Mrs. Joan Starkie who also retired recently as Pennington Cub
Scouts Leader.
During
her time, Hilda has trained many boys in various activities, particularly in
First Aid and Ambulance work, and she has been on various weekend camps with
them. She has also supervised many competitions at District Camps from which
she will be greatly missed in the future , as well as here at Pennington.
The
Sunday School Group acknowledges, with grateful thanks, the gift of a Bible
from Mrs. Annie Jones in loving memory of her husband Harry.
Tony
Ashcroft
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